The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health, and the Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, today announced that the Government of Canada has secured a plane to repatriate Canadians on board the Grand Princess off the west coast of the United States, following an outbreak of COVID-19 on the cruise ship.
This decision was made following a request for assistance from the Government of the United States to repatriate Canadians. Given our shared border, Canada recognizes the importance of working together with the United States to limit the spread of COVID-19 within North America and beyond.
The extent and frequency of interaction amongst cruise passengers and the close quarters found on most cruise ships presents a unique environment where COVID-19 can easily spread. To ensure the health and safety of Canadians, passengers from the Grand Princess will be quarantined upon their return to Canada.
The plane will bring passengers from San Francisco to Canadian Forces Base Trenton, after which they will be assessed and undergo a 14-day quarantine.
Passengers will be screened for symptoms before boarding the plane. If they exhibit symptoms, they will not be permitted to board and will instead be further assessed to determine next steps.
